Coming up with great storage solutions for your kids’ toys and paraphernalia can often be hard – not this one though! If dress up clothes are taking over your life then make this DIY dress up closet now! A bookcase is all you’ll need to get started and create dress up storage to save your sanity and a dress up station your little one will love!
The circus has discovered princesses.
Specifically Belle and Cinderella.
She’s also discovered ballerinas and cowgirls and doctors.
And she wants to be all those things.
Numerous times throughout the day.
Luckily, she hasn’t morphed into a total girly girl. Let’s be honest – I don’t know if I could handle that.
Its more like tutu one minute and mud the next.
I’ll take that any day over constant tea parties and tiaras.
I thought I had the dress-up department confined to one box.
And then her birthday happened.
Suddenly, it was as if all of Broadway’s costume department threw up in her room.
There were meltdowns over not being able to find Ariel’s shoes to wear with Sophia’s dress – not to mention all the other princess dresses that were lost to the hurricane that went through her room.
It was around that time that a great idea finally hit me as to what I would do for the IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack that HomeRight asked me to participate in – it would become a super cute kids dress up closet.
Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with HomeRight. However, all opinions and love of easy hacks that prevent meltdowns are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
I can’t begin to tell you how much the kid loves her new dress up storage. I’ve only heard that many “wows” from her once or twice before.
And more importantly, mama hasn’t had to go on a mad search into a pile of never-ending dress up clothes for a missing Belle shoe.
I almost feel bad calling this a “hack” because it was so easy, but technically its not what its meant to be, so that is a hack, right? And the easier the hack the better.
P.S. The bookcase is only $40. If you have paint and a mirror lying around to use, there’s a pretty good chance you can get out of this thing for $50.
That’s a small price to pay to end meltdowns and keep your sanity.
Also, it doesn’t have to be an IKEA bookcase – any mid-size bookcase will do!
DIY Dress Up Station
Materials and Supplies Needed:
- IKEA Billy Bookcase (the smaller one) or Another Similar Sized Bookcase
- Wood Dowel Rod
- Nail Gun
- Mirror
- HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer
- Paint Color of your Choice
- Polycrylic
Steps
Step 1:
First off, you just want to assemble the bookcase as the directions say. The only thing you don’t need to worry about is putting in the shelves.
Step 2:
Cut the dowel rod down to the width of the bookcase opening. Place the dowel where you would like it and use a nail gun to secure the dowel in place on either side of the bookcase.
You can also do this with a drill and a couple of screws if you prefer. I opted for the nail gun because it was easier. It also helps to have someone hold the dowel in place and make sure its level as you attach it to the bookcase. Not that mine wasn’t level the first go-round or anything.
If you have another kind of hanging bar lying around, you could use that too as long as it fits within your bookcase and is sturdy enough for hanging clothes on.
Painting the Kids Dress Up Closet
Step 3:
Paint the bookcase and shelves.
For this hack, I got to use one of my favorite toys and a new toy that is quickly becoming a favorite.
HomeRight just introduced their Spray Shelter. It is the best thing ever for painting in a garage or similar enclosed area. It keeps any paint overspray contained and takes less than 10 minutes to set up.
My husband only wishes they had made it sooner so that his beloved tiller wasn’t speckled with black, kelly green, and navy dots. 🙂
To paint the bookcase, I used my HomeRight Finish Max paint sprayer. This sprayer is by far the easiest paint sprayer I’ve ever used and gives a perfect fine finish. The best part is that no air tank is required – you just plug it in and go.
Since this piece is solely for the circus, I asked her what color she wanted it painted. She said blue. I had some Boheme by Velvet Finishes on hand, so that was what we went for. I thinned the paint with water before spraying it on.
To paint the shelves, I just laid them out on 2 x 4’s across sawhorses.
Step 4:
After the paint was good and dry, I gave the bookcase a good topcoat of Polycrylic, then cleaned the paint sprayer.
HomeRight has another new toy that makes cleaning the sprayer a breeze.
Its called the Rapid Clean. You hook one end up to a water hose, the other up to your paint sprayer, turn on the water and pull the trigger.
You’re all done with cleaning in a matter of minutes.
Step 5:
Once the topcoat was dry, I placed the shelves toward the bottom of the bookcase and took it up to the kid’s room.
Mama saved the day with a mirror that she had hung onto from her childhood home. To make sure the mirror was secure, I found a stud in the wall behind where the bookcase would be, then marked that spot on the bookcase and cut out a small hole. There, I drilled a screw into the stud that I then hung the mirror on.
The lower shelves hold shoes and hats.
I also made some DIY animal jewelry holders for the side of the dress up center.
I topped it off with quote art (which pretty much sums the circus up) in a DIY lucite frame as well as a DIY sunglasses holder.
And a DIY headband holder.
Well, what do ya think?
Not too shabby for an easy $50 IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack, eh?
Looking for more great projects to bring a smile to your kid’s face?
This DIY Children’s Stage with Hidden Dress-Up Storage has brought our little girls countless hours of fun!
Easiest Ever DIY Lemonade Stand – perfect for those little budding entrepreneurs in your life!
How to Create an Object and Text Feature Wall for Your Little One – the perfect way to add a punch of their own special personality to their room.
This diy wall-mounted drop down art desk has kept my little girl occupied for hours.
DIY Kids’ Play Table with Storage – she loves playing farm on this table! It’s great for all kinds of things!
Want to save this tutorial for later? Just pin the image below!
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Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Oh my word, this is totally amazing and what a little girls dream for sure. I love it.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Marty! She does love it! She is especially loving the fact that she can look at herself in the mirror all the time! Lord, help!
Brenna@DomesticCharm says
I LOVE this!!!! I think I am going to try something similar for American Girl doll storage! Brilliant!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Brenna! Oh, doll storage – we haven’t hit that stage yet, thank goodness!!
Wendy says
So adorable! You did an amazing job with this little wardrobe. Any little girl would love it, and I would love to get my hands on that amazing sprayer!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Wendy!
Rebecca Dodd says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been on the fence about getting a new paint sprayer.
Faye gates says
WOW!!! You did a great job! I love your site, as I too, an a DIYer. I love projects, and have some going right now.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Faye!
Christy Fulmer says
Love this idea! I would use the HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer for this project. My daughter would love this dress up closet!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Christy!
Sean says
I just purchased a large hutch for and this would be perfect to use it on as my first project.
Meg @ Green With Decor says
This is adorable! Love the gold animal hooks. And that spray shelter is a perfect idea – I need one of those!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Meg!! That spray shelter is awesome!!
Kayla says
How did you create the animal hooks? Love them!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I never got around to posting that tutorial, Kayla! Sorry about that. It’s really simple though – buy plastic animals at the dollar tree and cut them in half. Spray paint the heads gold, then glue them onto small wood blocks with super glue or E6000 glue. You can buy wood and cut it yourself at a home improvement store or buy pre-cut blocks at Michael’s craft stores. Let me know if you have any questions!
Amy Tolley says
I have a dresser i would like to repaint another color to match my sons bedroom
Deborah W. says
I got so excited by your articles on your blog that I posted on bedroom furniture, ha. Anyway, I would use this on many pieces of furniture including a small table, a couple of folding chairs, patio furniture, a wheelbarrow and a wagon. I am guessing this can be used to paint walls?
Alina says
I would love to use this to paint my son’s bed frame and dresser for his new big boy room.
Tammy says
OMG! I have been building my own “spray tent” forever. Can’t wait to go and order mine right now! Thanks!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Well, Tammy if you have at least been putting forth an effort to build your own spray tent then you’re a better person than me! haha! I was always in too much of a hurry to worry with one. But this one takes less than 10 minutes to set up, so I use it all the time now!
Sally says
Wow! What a great idea. It is adorable, she is one lucky little girl. I also like the color. Your paint set up is wonderful. I’ve never used a paint sprayer, I certainly hope to one day. Because I have so much stuff I’ve been procrastinating on…..oh well. Love your blog, just found it the other night. Love your sense of humor.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Sally!! A paint sprayer makes furniture makeovers SO much easier!! I’m thrilled you found me – I do what I can to make people laugh! haha! 😉
Daniel M says
we have some chairs that need work
cathy says
have a list as long as your arm. I need to paint dressers, bookcases, furniture, walls.
Sherry Conrad says
I have some night tables and a set of shelves that need painting desperately.
ashley says
I have an old beat up dresser that could really use a makeover
Hope Williams says
This is Circus perfection! I love this hack and can’t imagine it being anything different than what you made it! It is beyond cute and I thought I heard that WOW down here! lol I know she love this part of her “princess” kingdom!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
hahahahaha!! Thanks, Hope! Oh man, don’t give her any ideas about a kingdom!!!
gail says
Jenna,
I love your diy dress up closet made from an ikea billy bookcase! The color is sooo pretty.
I love the look of your very loved Finish Max. Mine looks a lot like yours!
gail
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Gail!! I know – I was looking at that picture of the sprayer and was like, whoa – its obvious I love you! hahaha!
Lynn says
That is fabulous! That circus is a blessed little girl.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Awww! Thanks, Lynn!
angie says
I want to paint alll the things with that sprayer!
Kellie Smith says
Totally love this Jenna!! What little girl wouldn’t love this!?!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thank you, Kellie! I know, right – I kinda want one for myself! 😉
Ann Fantom says
I would paint the shelving unit in my daughter’s playroom with the HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer
Raina DelRio says
I have a dining set and china cabinet that need some love, so I would use it on those.
Terri Hughes says
I would use it on a roll top desk that I bought at a yard sell. Love the little dress up closet!
Michele P says
omigosh what a fun closet! I love it, so creative and something I’d like to try out for my husband’s 3 granddaughters one day. Now, what would I paint? I have some wood projects my daughter did in shop this past year, birdhouses and other things that she has been wanting to paint. And I have a couple of shelves that have that rustic look and need a new coat of paint so I think I’d start there!
Vivian says
Oh, so many things I would love to paint. Where to start? I definitely need to add some color to my boring decor.
Missy says
Cute!!! She does like to dress up. I miss that crazy girl!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Missy! She misses you too! Every time we pass the church, she begs to go to school. I don’t know what we will do next year without you!
Megan says
Omg! That’s amazing. We keep all of our dress up in her regular closet because she doesn’t do it much, but this is great. Love all the extra details!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Megan!! It was a really fun piece to make!
Dana says
As soon as I find a house I like I’ll be buying it. I have so many things that need to be refinished or painted or whatever the new home calls for. I’ve been looking at paint sprayers lately because I know I’ll need one. A new home calls for new things and some of those new things will need to be painted. What a great giveaway! (and timely for me!) Good luck everyone!
Laurie says
Would love this to paint some dressers & bookshelves!
steve weber says
Everything! we are moving into a new house and alot of things need to be painted.
Glenda B. says
Jenna that is so precious! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me! You come up with the cutest ideas. I can just see Landry admiring herself in that mirror. Ha! Too cute! Ohh do I see a castle playhouse in her future! Thank you for a great giveaway and the chance to win a great tool! I have a dresser and a small chest waiting on paint jobs. This sprayer would sure come in handy for me right now and save a lot of time. Love the spray tent too. Great idea! Have a great week! God bless.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Glenda! But please, oh please, do not mention a castle playhouse to her! hahahahahahahaha! I wouldn’t have the faintest clue how to make one of those!
Lisa says
I would like to repaint the kitchen table and chairs.
Laurie Kearnes says
Bedroom bookcase painting. I would love this sprayer!
Cynthia C says
I would use it to repaint the heating registers in my home.
Cheryl says
I would use the HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer on my wicker furniture and porch swing. They need a redo.
Natalie says
I would use this sprayer on an old bookcase I got from Craigslist.
Carrie G says
I get tired of seeing the same old cookie cutter TV stands so I’d use it on that to give the boring stands some pop
Susanne says
I would totally use this on my shutters:)
Angelica says
I would use the sprayer on my big line of projects that are waiting for me to either win a sprayer or get my buns in gear and just buy one. I have a desk, kitchen table, dresser, my entire cedar fence, dining room table, and a few chairs that I reallllly want to redo. My arthritis is not a fan of brush painting, I’d love to try out a sprayer!
Also, that paint shelter is awesome and I love the color blue you chose!!
latanya says
my front door
Chrystal D says
This would be great for when I find a piece of furniture at a thrift store or flea market & redo it or change it to something different!
Bert White says
Loved the post, made me want to go get a sprayer to repaint a few of the tables and shelves at my house
DJ says
I would use it on my deck.
Marissa M says
My fence!
Debi Macrae says
The dress up closet is FANTASTIC! I would love the paint sprayer, have some chairs that need a makeover.
Kelly Nicholson says
What would you use the HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer on?
HOUSE NEEDS A PAINT JOB
Sara Weekley says
I would paint my sweet daughter Shelby’s furniture.
Judy says
WOW! And I like the additional inspiration ideas on Home Right.
Carol says
I would love to use this to paint a bookshelf.
Leigh Anne Borders says
We have a dresser that we are working on redoing.
Stephanie Phelps says
I would use the HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer on my bedroom furniture and my hope chest!
Kimberly M. says
I am a big DIYer. I love to go to thrift shops and yard sales and look at things and picture them as other things. I have book shelves, old shelves for on the wall, I have an old wooden closet in my attic, and other things I would use this on. I’m in the process of doing an old console TV into a useful TV stand. We’ll see how that comes out.
renee says
I would like to repaint both tables and and ten (ten?I think there are ten) chairs in my home because they are sooo scratched up and pitiful from years of abuse.
Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom says
I have an old dry sink that my mom is keeping in her garage for me to refinish when I get the time! I’d love to use this sprayer for the job!
shirley says
I would use the HomeRight Finish Max Paint Sprayer on our outdoor set first.
mary ballerin says
I would use the HomeRight paint sprayer on two sturdy, older bookcases I just bought (cheap) that need painting to match my mom’s old entertainment center – my DIY wall unit-to-be!
Layne Austin says
I would use it on my back patio! It needs a well done touch up!
sandra says
I might use it to paint a half bath
Christina Sparks says
My husband has some furniture he been wanting to repaint.
Susan says
I’m not in the US, so not eligible for the draw (even though I think a paint sprayer would be great). But I need to know — what did you do with the animal butts left over from the jewelry holders???!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
hahahaha, Susan! Girl, I held onto those bad boys. I think they will become something fun at some point!
Seth @ Giveaway Guy says
Our garage could used some touching up.
kath g says
I like to build outdoor furniture. I would use it to either stain or paint them.
Bridgett Wilbur says
I would love to paint my Adirondack chairs that really need a new paint job.
Lea Anna says
I have a dresser that needs repainting!
Robin W says
I would first start with a lovely old wicker bureau.
Lesley F says
I would love to do the project that you showcased. My granddaughter would love it
Anita k says
This would be perfect for our new grandbabies room.thanks so very much for sharing.
joni mitchell says
I have a desk and a dresser I would use this on
Jesselyn A/Jesstinger says
I think I would start with all the BORING old white furniture in my office (circa the 80’s): bookshelves, desk and work table…. I can’t wait!!!
Laurie Nykaza says
I have a hutch and an old bedroom set that need painting around other items so love to have one!
laurie murley says
I have a dresser I need to paint, and this would be great to have to do my dresser
Annette says
I’ve been wanting to paint the bricks in the front of my townhouse and this would make it happen. Then I’d paint the door and shutters.
Leah Shumack says
I need to repaint my garage and this would be perfect!
Amanda Sakovitz says
I would use it on my desk!
Kimberly says
I just found a free wooden bed frame on Craigslist that I am itching to custom paint for my son’s room, so I’d probably start with that.
rosemary says
wow
Shaylin S says
I have a dresser that needs repainting! This would come in handy for all my projects!
Angela Cash says
I would love to use this sprayer to paint an iron patio set that my mom recently gave me. I would also use it to repaint a couple of bookshelves.
Richard Hicks says
I have some furniture that I am wanting to refinish
jmahurin40 says
My porch and my shed needs a good painting and the HomeRight Finish Max paint sprayer would do the job in no time flat.
Laurie Emerson says
I would use this to paint our outdoor furniture which is so faded but I am attached to it and the memories of sharing so much at it that I just cannot let myself replace it.
Candie L says
I have a decorative window sill that needs to be redone and updated. Thank you
brittani adams says
I have a chair that would def. be first in line!
Robert Arnold says
Love it!!!
Jelli says
I wish I was crafty… and that my husband knew how to use power tools. This is super cute and my 3 year-old would LOVE it! Pinned.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jelli! This is really really easy, Jelli!! The only thing that really needs a power tool is the clothes bar! You could probably even glue the jewelry holders on!
T'onna @ USS Crafty says
Such a cute dress up closet! I’d love something like this for my little girl!
Navy Wifey Peters
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, T’onna!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
I wish I would of had this when my daughter was little. She’s 13 now, loves drama & still has kept a few dress up clothes. 😉 Pinned it for other family & followers.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I wish I had one of these when I was little, Theresa!! haha!
Lisa says
Do you have a hack for the headband holder? Did the sunglasses holder work? Looked like they may tip and fall off.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Hi Lisa! Yes! The headband holder is here: https://rainonatinroof.com/2015/08/diy-headband-holder-for-5/
And the sunglasses holder is here: https://rainonatinroof.com/2015/06/diy-sunglasses-holder-for-5/
The sunglasses do tip off sometimes when the the kid jumps around in her room or the piece of furniture it’s sitting on gets budged.
Jessie says
Love this! Awesome job! I have 3 large IKEA cubby storage shelves were trying to paint a different color. I cleaned them, sprayed zinnser shellac based primer on them, and then spray painted a dark brown. I waited 24 hours to let dry. When i checked them the paint chips off very easily! Help! What am I doing wrong here? Thank you!
Jenna says
Uh oh! You might want to rough them up with some sandpaper a little, then try repriming and painting them. Follow up with a topcoat as well for added protection.
Emy co says
So cute!!! i love it and i’m sure your daughter loved it too 😉 thanks for the idea
Jenna says
Oh she did for sure! Thanks!
Stephanie Sullivan says
love this! only question is the dresser laminate? does it need anything special done to it before painting ?